Joseph Allen Bauer, 45, of Murfreesboro, was being held on a misdemeanor theft charge of less than $100 when he was found by detention center staff on Nov. 16, 2017, after other inmates alerted them to Bauer’s condition.

Joseph Bauer, 45, was found hanging in his cell at the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office last month. Questions linger for his family.(Photo: Submitted)

In November 2018, a year after his death, his mother, Mary Bauer, filed a federal lawsuit against the sheriff, jail supervisor and county, claiming her son's death could've been avoided. She alleged he was showing signs of a significant risk of suicide and disclosed that he had suicidal thoughts, but wasn't provided with adequate health care.

Bauer was a complicated person facing behavioral health issues and struggles with alcohol and substance abuse, family members said. A devout Catholic, he loved his family and his three dogs.

In a response filed Friday, the county attorney denied any wrongdoing on the jail's behalf and said none of Bauer's rights were violated. While at the jail, Bauer requested someone to watch his pets, but jail staff say that statement didn't show mental health issues or suicidal thoughts.

Joseph Bauer, 45, was found hanging in his cell at the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office last month. Questions linger for his family.(Photo: Submitted)

The county attorney argues in the response that the defendants are entitled to immunity in the case. In February, the county asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed, but a federal judge denied their request in early August.

The defendants have asked for a jury trial if the case isn't dismissed.